CHAPTER 649: ALDRIAN THE GREAT

The moment all eyes turned toward the entrance of the hall, they couldn’t help but glimmer with awe. Across the continent, countless people were already on their knees. They didn’t do it out of fear, but because the sight before them moved their hearts, a gesture of reverence to the figure who stepped inside.

Aldrian, with his unblemished and handsome face, let his long red hair fall freely. At this moment, he wore imperial robes that perfectly embodied his dignity and power as emperor. The attire wasn’t overly adorned with ornaments, yet it was distinct enough to show how special it truly was. A red cape draped over one shoulder added a noble touch and enhanced his striking presence.

His tall, firm build only completed the image, at this moment, he was perfect in the eyes of all.

The imperial robe he now wore had actually been found by Aldrian in one of the palace rooms, displayed within a glass case. According to the information he read, it was the result of a collaboration between Long Shentian and Feng Xuanyan. The robe had been sewn using the hair and leather fiber from their divine beast forms.

Because of the special materials used in its creation, the imperial robe possessed defensive properties. For instance, it was immune to basic elemental attacks, granting Aldrian additional protection.

Once again, Aldrian was touched by their efforts. It felt as if, by creating this robe, they had already foreseen he would wear it on such an occasion, and so they had styled it in imperial fashion.

Behind him, on both sides, Sylphia and Baek Jimin followed as his partners. Their beauty in this moment was unmatched. Sylphia revealed her true elegance, dressed in noble elven attire, while Baek Jimin wore a white formal robe typically seen only in the demon territory.

The robe highlighted her elegance and beauty to the fullest. Combined with her rare white hair, she looked like a mysterious beauty emerging from a snowy land.

For the first time, many were finally seeing Baek Jimin’s beauty in detail, and they couldn’t help but feel they had overlooked her. With Sylphia always at Aldrian’s side, Baek Jimin had long been overshadowed. But now, standing in the spotlight, her beauty was no less than Sylphia’s.

He walked with firm steps as countless eyes followed him, filled with respect and reverence. Aldrey and Irene watched him with proud expressions, while the leaders of the major territories looked on with smiles and an unspoken message in their gaze—finally, the time has come!

Aldrian and the two ladies walked until they reached the base of the stairs. There, Sylphia and Baek Jimin stopped, each stepping to one side of the red carpet. They turned to face Aldrian as he continued alone, ascending the steps one by one until he reached the top, standing not far from the throne, one he had not sat upon for a very long time.

Pope Claudius had already stepped back to give him space.

Aldrian looked at the throne as memories began to flood his mind. At last, after many lives, he would sit on it again. From the moment he first entered the hall more than a month ago until now, he had never taken that seat.

But now, the moment had come for him to sit on the throne once more.

He turned his body to face the audiences and swept his gaze across them. He also glanced at the information crystal operator, who was projecting his image across the continent.

"To the people of this continent, to all who have placed your faith in me, honestly, I still feel overwhelmed by the trust you’ve given me in allowing me this honor. I truly did not expect to be granted such a respected position, the role of leading you all as a symbol of unity and faith," Aldrian said.

"As we know, our continent is undergoing great change, and it will lead us to a wider world filled with challenges. At this moment, we are like a hidden treasure, one that many outsiders may wish to approach."

"Those outsiders may bring changes we cannot predict, whether for better or for worse."

"We are weak, much weaker than them because of the restrictions that have covered our continent for so long. We’ve fallen behind in cultivation and many other aspects, a reality that could truly put us in danger." Aldrian paused, sweeping his gaze once more across the hall, then toward the information crystal.

The people who heard his words could feel the weight behind them. They could already imagine how vulnerable their continent was now that the world beyond had become accessible. Instead of bringing benefits, opening their borders might invite trouble.

Their continent, once hidden from the outside world, would undoubtedly attract countless powerful cultivators from beyond. And those intrusions might bring even more chaos than the devils had.

"That is why we must be more united than ever, to shield ourselves from the harmful influence of those beyond our land," Aldrian continued.

"To keep those outsiders in check and prevent them from acting with arrogance in our continent, we know we need a deterrent force. I am glad to become that force, a force that will stand against anyone who dares to disrupt the peace we have earned through the sacrifices of so many."

"All this time, I have simply acted according to my own moral compass. I never expected anything in return. I only did what I believed I was meant to do. That is why your trust in me, because of what I have done gives me a sense of profound honor. An honor I will carry proudly as proof that I will never betray your faith."

"So on this occasion, I want to thank all of you who have placed your trust in me and believed in me. I will carry that faith in my heart always."

Aldrian lowered his head slightly before standing tall once more.

"And lastly, as I once said, hold on to your dignity in front of others. Keep your pride as the people of this continent. Do not let anyone trample you, because I will be behind you to support you. Do not be afraid if you stand in the right. Do not be afraid to uphold your dignity and integrity. Once again, I will stand behind you all."

Across the continent, the people’s expressions turned solemn as they quietly nodded. Aldrian’s words had once again renewed their confidence in facing the world beyond.

After his speech, Aldrian looked to the pope at his left and gave a small nod.

The pope understood and turned to address the audience.

"The heavens have sent us their chosen one, as our savior, our protector, our leader, and the beacon of light who will guide us toward a brighter future." As Pope Claudius spoke, Aldrian began walking toward the throne.

"Now, it is time for the chosen one to formally take his reign, to step into the position that has long awaited him, and to fulfill the role that is rightfully his."

Aldrian then stopped right in front of the throne and turned to face the audience. Just as he did, another figure entered the hall. The moment countless eyes shifted toward the entrance, they immediately saw Angelica, dressed in her saintess robes.

In her hands, she carried a golden plate, and resting upon it was a majestic golden crown. The crown had nine sharp, pointed crests, each representing the nine major territories that had now come under Aldrian’s rule.

To Aldrian, however, the nine points also held another meaning. They represented the nine heavens.

A large golden diamond was embedded at the front of the crown, symbolizing his supreme authority.

This crown had been crafted by King Douwin himself. He had forged it with care, precision, and full dedication, knowing it would become one of the symbols of Aldrian’s reign. He made sure that nothing was lacking. Even the materials and the jewels used were rare treasures taken from the royal secret vault.

Angelica continued walking until she reached the top of the stairs, then moved to stand beside Pope Claudius. Once he saw that Angelica was in position, the pope turned to face the audience.

"Let us hear the vow of the one chosen by the heavens, the vow that may lead us to glory," Pope Claudius said clearly.

Aldrian then opened his lips to speak.

"I, Aldrian Aster, the one in whom the people of this continent have placed their full faith, swear before all beings, before heaven and earth, that I will carry out my role with all sincerity. If all beings wish for me to guide and lead them, then I shall do so to the best of my ability."

"Heaven and the entire universe shall bear witness that this great empire, built upon your belief in me will not fall, and together, we will witness the greatest glory this continent will ever see."

Aldrian’s voice was solemn and firm, stirring the hearts of all who heard it and setting their spirits alight.

Pope Claudius then took the crown from Angelica and stepped to Aldrian’s right side.

"From this moment onward, Aldrian Aster, bearing the title of Aldrian the Great, the one chosen by the heavens shall become the first emperor of the Aster Empire. An empire that symbolizes the bright star which illuminates all things, a light that will never fade, a light that shall remain with us until the end of time," he declared.

Pope Claudius then placed the crown upon Aldrian’s head. Afterward, he turned to face the audience.

"May the great emperor, Aldrian the Great, continue to reign sovereign!"

"May his glory be eternal! May his light never fade!" he shouted, and his voice was echoed by all beings across the continent.

"May the great emperor, Aldrian the Great, continue to reign sovereign!"

"May his glory be eternal! May his light never fade!"

Many instantly prostrated in Aldrian’s direction as a sign of submission and recognition. Even nature itself, in its own way, seemed to bow before him. The winds stirred gently, the skies cleared, and the land felt still, as if the world itself shared in this moment.

The heavens, too, sent their intent to Aldrian, as if echoing his name and reign with silent praise.

Aldrian looked upon it all with a calm expression.

In this moment, he could not yet know that his title would one day be inseparable from his very existence, not only in this world, but among all beings across the heavens.

For in the future, whenever his name is spoken, one truth will always follow—

Aldrian the Great.